Meet our interns: Emma Rutherford
Hi!
My name is Emma Rutherford, I’m married to Graham and we have an eleven–year–old son, William.
I’m really looking forward to being ordained as a deacon Intern at the end of August. My placement parish is St. Jude’s, Ballynafeigh, working alongside Canon Norman Jardine and his team.
My employment background is in textiles, home furnishings and interior design. However some years ago I felt God was poking and prodding me, calling me to other forms of ministry outside my local church.
A series of interviews, courses, and a lot of prayer and discernment later… in December 2005 I found myself outside of my ‘comfort zone’ and employed as the family and children’s worker in Knocknagoney Parish, Belfast, where I had a very blessed time for nearly four years.
During this time I felt a definite sense of God’s call towards ordained ministry, and trusting in God, I offered myself for selection in April 2009 and was accepted for training in Dublin that September.
I could not have undertaken this life change without the incredible support of my family. (Although they are very happy that the full–time residency has come to an end!)
Whilst I am certainly a little nervous at the idea of ordination, I truly believe this is what God has called me to. My relationship with God continues to deepen, especially as more trust in him is required as the date gets ever closer!
I’m looking forward to parish life, to forging new relationships, and to growing and developing in my newly ordained role within a community of faith.
I pray that through the variety of opportunities and challenges ahead, I will always give my best to God and never lose sight of what an awesome privilege this is.
It is a huge leap of faith for us all, ordinands and our families, but we trust in the Lord and as I continue to be reminded by the following passage:
‘Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.’
Ephesians 3:20–21